Max (Pitt) is a Canadian intelligence officer who parachutes into French Morocco in 1942 so that he can pose as the husband of Resistance agent Marianne (Cotillard). A clean-cut Casablanca wannabe with nice supporting turns, but while the stars look fantastic, they seem awkward and it never really comes to life.

Wed 14 Dec

Thu 15 Dec

When 12 granite pod-like spaceships land on Earth, linguistic expert Dr Louise Banks (Adams) is recruited to try to communicate with their owners. Powerful, intelligent and profound sci-fi, with assured direction, impressive but restrained effects and anchored by a mesmerising performance from Adams as the brave, vulnerable and fallible central character.

Tue 13 Dec

Wed 14 Dec

Thu 15 Dec

Willie (Thornton) has slid back to rock bottom when his estranged accomplice Marcus (Cox) returns with the promise of a big payday. The first film was foul-mouthed, politically incorrect, lewd and rude, but also bracing and very funny. This is just bludgeoning, misanthropic and depressing and should never have been made.

Thu 15 Dec

Eight year old Sophie (Barnhill) looks out her window one evening to discover something terrifying – the Big Friendly Giant (Rylance), who unlike his giant brothers doesn't actually want to eat her. Magical, funny and surprising stuff from Spielberg, lacking only some of the menace of Dahl's original, but genuinely heartwarming.

Sat 10 Dec

Sun 11 Dec

Nat Turner (Parker) is a slave in early 19th century Virginia, used by his owners to encourage other slaves to submit, but who is plotting an uprising of his own. Despite the controversy surrounding Parker, the film deserves to be seen: angry, dramatic and bittersweet, it's a story that needs telling.

Tue 13 Dec

Wed 14 Dec

Thu 15 Dec

The story of Vinny Pazienza (Teller), a kid from Rhode Island who became a boxing champion, suffered a devastating tragedy and fought another battle to reclaim his life. Workmanlike boxing and redemption drama, all too reminiscent of many others; it doesn't help that Teller's Vinny is a stubborn, obnoxious ass who it's hard to care about.

When brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) gets his hands mangled in a car crash, he visits Kathmandu to be reborn under the mystic tutelage of the Ancient One (Swinton). A blast: fresh performances from Cumberbatch and Swinton power a dynamic script with well-measured puns and even a little wistful poetry.

Wed 14 Dec

Thu 15 Dec

Newt Scamander (Redmayne), a socially-challenged animal whisperer of sorts, has to gather up the fantastic beasts which have escaped from his briefcase and are roaming 1920s New York. A suitably magical spin-off, with Rowling's screenplay skilfully balancing dark and light, and director Yates maintaining a thrilling pace and exciting spectacle.

Tue 13 Dec

The true story of Saroo Brierley, who aged five is separated from his mother and family in India, declared lost and adopted by an Australian couple, only to track his family down years later using Google Earth. Hugely emotional, remarkably assured debut from Davis, with fine performances.

Sat 10 Dec

Moana (Carvalho) is a Polynesian girl who revives the voyaging tradition of her island tribe, with the help of buffoonish demigod Maui (Johnson, sending himself up.) The unabashed positivity is pure Disney but Bush's zingy screenplay satirises the studio's princess obsession and doesn't bother with a love interest. A spirited, vividly realised and genuinely rousing adventure.

Jack Skellington, the skinny trickster king of Halloweentown, is restless with success and needs a new challenge, so he hatches a plot to kidnap Santa and creates a mixed-up Yuletide which isn't quite what the kids expected. Produced and based on a story and characters by Tim Burton.

The Chicago division of tech company Zenotek is facing the prospect of being shut down by hard-hearted CEO Carol (Aniston) when branch president Clay (Miller) steps in to throw a Christmas party. Funny and imaginative seasonal comedy with great work from Miller as the lovable wastrel and a fine supporting cast (Munn, McKinnon) adding to the hilarity.

Thu 15 Dec

Little Max (Louis CK) is a small dog who gets very lonely when his beloved human Katie (Kemper) leaves each day. But then she brings home a huge, shaggy rescue mutt (Stonestreet) and hijinks ensue. Undeniably derivative but cute and energetic comedy sustained by its fine voice cast.

Sat 10 Dec

Sun 11 Dec

The story of Edward Snowden, the former CIA employee who in 2013 leaked thousands of classified documents to the Guardian, revealing the scope and reach of the USA's global surveillance program. Smartly dramatised and absorbing drama with fine performances from all, with Gordon-Levitt completely convincing as the earnest, idealistic Snowden.

3D

Sun 8 Jan

Autism-friendly

The story of pilot Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger (Hanks), who became an unassuming hero in 2009 after successfully ditching a US Airways Airbus 320 on the Hudson River. Eckhart gives strong support as co-pilot Jeff Skiles but the film belongs to Hanks, whose understated performance, with the skilful re-enactments of the crash, make for riveting drama.

Thu 15 Dec

Lake District, 1930: the plucky Walker siblings go up against fierce local gels Nancy and Peggy for possession of an island, while reclusive uncle Jim (Spall) is stalked by a sinister foreigner (Scott). Charmingly nostalgic kids' adventure, subtly modernised, with well-cast kids and Macdonald a pleasure as always. Sweetly satisfying as a cream tea.

Sat 10 Dec

Subtitled

Sun 11 Dec

Trolls are cute creatures who love EDM and warm hugs, but they're preyed on by Bergens, toothy monsters who think eating Trolls will bring happiness. Hyperactive buddy movie with dazzling visuals and lots of ditzy fun, but not as fresh or original as some of the competition.